recognizes those farmers with outstanding agricultural production skills, who also work diligently to improve excellence in their family, community, schools, industry and more.

Related story: Prairie Farmer names 2016 Master Farmers

Neighbors, friends, family or business colleagues may nominate a Master Farmer candidate, or candidates may nominate themselves. Candidates can be individuals, couples or siblings farming in partnership, who derive the majority of their income from agricultural production. Candidates who do not receive the award the year they are nominated are welcome to be re-submitted in following years. A panel of Illinois farm leaders will select recipients.

MASTERS: The 2016 Master Farmers from left to right: Norma Jean and Reggie Dowell; Karen and Mark DeDecker; Brenda and Bill Raben; and Julie and Ron Lawfer.

Nominations are due September 1, 2016. Further details are included in the Master Farmer Nomination Form, available as a pdf or word document.

For questions, please contact Prairie Farmer Editor Holly Spangler at 309/926-6082 or [email protected].